

HCL AppScan and Qualys Web Application Scanning are two key players in the web application security market. HCL AppScan is favored for its advanced feature set, low false-positive rate, and seamless integration with agile processes, whereas Qualys offers superior scalability, management, and compliance-oriented solutions.
Features: HCL AppScan is praised for its thorough detection of web vulnerabilities, customizable rules, and effective integration with developer workflows. It supports both static and dynamic testing and maintains a user-friendly interface. Qualys Web Application Scanning excels in real-time monitoring, comprehensive reporting, and strong external penetration testing capabilities, making it ideal for organizations with strict compliance requirements.
Room for Improvement: HCL AppScan users desire better CI/CD pipeline integration, enhanced language support, and further reduction in false positives. Qualys users request an improved user interface, better crawling capabilities for deeper testing, and more advanced authentication options for real-time scanning.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: HCL AppScan primarily supports on-premises deployments, catering to environments needing extensive internal integration. Users report mixed experiences with technical support post-IBM transition. Qualys Web Application Scanning allows flexible deployment across hybrid and cloud environments and consistently receives positive feedback for its responsive customer support and faster resolution times.
Pricing and ROI: HCL AppScan is considered expensive yet offers a good ROI through reduced vulnerabilities and cost savings. Qualys Web Application Scanning has negotiable pricing with competitive licensing options, appealing to larger buyers, and also shows positive ROI despite cost considerations. Both solutions deliver effective security management that justifies their price points.
Veracode provides excellent assistance and regularly scheduled calls to address customer concerns and updates.
There is still room for improvement when it comes to the speed of response.
They have various options in the vulnerability management process, and when we initially bought our license, we didn't realize we needed PCI for better results, which isn't included in the default configurations.
I have dealt with Qualys's technical support, and any enhancements are challenging.
Once we purchase the license, we have access to top-notch support.
It produces similar vulnerability results as other tools such as Nessus based on version checks instead of real impact checks.
It is licensed for assets, so we just contact the team for additional licenses if needed.
At one point, there was a limitation on reporting for 100,000 assets at a time.
Since we've been using HCL AppScan for about three months, we really have not encountered a false positive.
Currently, you can find out the components belonging to a specific software, but if detailed reporting became available, you would be in a better position to identify vulnerabilities.
Qualys Web Application Scanning does IP-level testing, requiring direct input of credentials, and can only scan a few pages to provide known generic vulnerabilities.
With the growing reliance on AI, Qualys Web Application Scanning should be updated to handle AI-based applications and LLM-based attacks.
I would like it to be cheaper because it is a bit expensive compared to competitors like Tenable Nessus.
Companies often choose based on budget constraints, with Veracode being on the higher end cost-wise.
They offer discounts on bulk licenses, making it cheaper compared to competitors like Veracode DAST.
I find it a bit expensive compared to other competitors.
Regarding pricing, I think for personal use, it is costly, but if organizations are ready to pay, then it is fine as they are using it.
We were able to identify security issues such as certificate-related issues, authentication-related issues, and weak encryption-related issues.
AppScan's most valuable features include its ability to identify vulnerabilities accurately, provide detailed remediation steps, and the newly introduced AI-powered features that enhance its functionality further.
It effectively detects vulnerabilities like the OWASP Top 10 without any issues in reporting.
The product helps by providing options for remediating vulnerabilities it finds, making it really useful.
The advantage of Qualys Web Application Scanning lies in its user-friendly dashboard and appealing reports, which are useful for presentation to leadership.
| Product | Mindshare (%) |
|---|---|
| Qualys Web Application Scanning | 1.8% |
| HCL AppScan | 2.4% |
| Other | 95.8% |


| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 14 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 6 |
| Large Enterprise | 31 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 8 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 6 |
| Large Enterprise | 27 |
HCL AppScan offers quick vulnerability detection with effective SDLC integration and is known for its user-friendly interface and seamless security integration.
HCL AppScan provides dynamic and static scanning to identify vulnerabilities like XSS and SQL injection. It integrates well into CI/CD pipelines, supports multiple languages, and offers web and dynamic scanning, helping businesses ensure security across development lifecycles. Users benefit from API coverage, Postman integration, and its ability to function in cloud and on-premise environments, facilitating a shift from DevOps to DevSecOps practices.
What features define HCL AppScan?HCL AppScan is leveraged in sectors requiring rigorous security checks, such as finance and healthcare, where it conducts comprehensive scans and offers insights into potential vulnerabilities. Its robust scanning capabilities aid companies in maintaining compliance and security standards.
Qualys Web Application Scanning offers advanced vulnerability management, progressive scheduling, and seamless integration with DevOps environments. Its user-friendly design enables enterprises to enhance security with comprehensive scanning and detailed forensic insights.
Qualys Web Application Scanning addresses enterprise-level security challenges by providing robust solutions for vulnerability management, penetration testing, and compliance checks. While easing the navigation process, it supports risk mitigation with precise risk ratings, minimal false positives, and detailed reporting. However, it faces challenges with its complex interface, authenticated scanning, and automation features. Integrating smoothly with CI/CD pipelines, it is suitable for continuous and automated scanning, adapting to diverse company requirements.
What are the standout features of Qualys Web Application Scanning?Organizations across sectors like education, banking, and international data centers leverage Qualys Web Application Scanning for conducting penetration testing, scanning web applications, and managing vulnerabilities. It aids in audit security and compliance, identifying threats, and generating user-friendly reports, making it a valuable asset for maintaining strong security postures.
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